POTD: Quest for the Ultimate Rifle Action – Weatherby Mark V
Sam.S 10.08.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Roy Weatherby’s obsession with creating the world’s strongest bolt action led to the birth of the Weatherby Mark V in 1957. Frustrated with existing designs, he envisioned an action that could withstand a staggering 200,000 C.U.P. The result was a nine-lug bolt system that looked more like artillery than a hunting rifle. Weatherby’s journey to produce the Mark V reads like a global adventure – from California to Germany to Japan, before finally returning to the USA in 1994. Along the way, the rifle gained a reputation as a luxury item, finding its way into the hands of Iranian royalty and Hollywood stars. But it wasn’t just for show – the Mark V proved its mettle in extreme testing, handling loads that would make other rifles weep. This rifle wasn’t just tough; it was a statement about pushing the boundaries of firearm engineering.
“Introduced in 1985, tapered barrel manufactured without sights, fluted bolt and mounted Redfield 4x scope. One piece walnut stock with skip line checkering, rose wood forend tip and grip cap with diamond insert, raised comb, cheekpad and vented Weatherby rubber buttpad. Includes leather sling with quick detach swivels.”
Lot 1950: Weatherby Mark V Bolt Action Rifle with Scope and Sling. (n.d.-bn). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved October 8, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/51/1950/weatherby-mark-v-bolt-action-rifle-with-scope-and-sling.
